by: Greg Haas, Posted: Apr 21, 2026 / 01:50 PM PDT, Updated: Apr 21, 2026 / 04:42 PM PDT
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada added 30,200 jobs last year, increasing at a best-in-the-nation rate of 1.9%, according to state employment officials on Tuesday.
Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo immediately pointed to actions taken under his administration for a list of economic improvements.
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) said a new analysis of data from January 2025 to January 2026 revealed better conditions, including that total employment in the state has exceeded 1.6 million jobs for the first time on record.
“Initial employment reports reflected a relatively flat trend through the year, but after reviewing individual reports from all employers in the state, this year’s job growth actually reflects a sustained expansion,” DETR Chief Economist David Schmidt said.
“Nevada has more jobs today than at any point in its history, and employers are adding positions at a pace unmatched anywhere else in the country,” Schmidt said.
Lombardo said, “Nevada’s position as the nation’s fastest-growing job market highlights my administration’s efforts to transition into a more resilient, broad-based economy.”
The economy is likely to be a top issue in this year’s mid-term elections.
“This is creating real opportunities for Nevadans and building a foundation for long-term success that benefits every community in our state. By cutting red tape, developing the workforce, and focusing on smart economic policies, Nevada is quickly becoming one of the best business environments in the nation,” Lombardo said.‘No debt’ career fair in Las Vegas an opportunity to find training, education without student loans
Lombardo noted Nevada’s standing as the top state for post-pandemic small business growth in a report from UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, as well as its ranking among the top states for business strength in a national study called the Area Development Report.
He also cited the state’s increase in hourly pay in the country, the highest in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Under Governor Lombardo’s leadership, Nevada has secured over $5 billion in private investment and more than 44,500 new jobs,” according to a news release from his office.
DETR reviews more complete and accurate quarterly data submitted by employers each year as part of the employment insurance program
After DETR analyzed these reports, the findings indicated that total employment was higher and growing faster than initially reported through the end of 2025.
While tourism has shown softer performance in recent months, Nevada continues to add jobs across a broad range of industries, DETR said.
Officials noted gains in construction, health care, business services, and education.
“This diversification highlights the continued strengthening of Nevada’s economy, even during periods when tourism is not the primary driver of growth,” DETR’s news release said.